Demi Stokes kicks off Green Football’s Great Save with secret Salvation Army kit drop in Newcastle

The Newcastle United and England player handed over her own signed training top, alongside kit donations from Newcastle United’s Women’s team. The shop drop is part of Green Football’s Great Save – a campaign aimed at encouraging others to give pre-loved sportswear a second life and highlighting the importance of keeping kit in play.

Top footballing talent have made a series of surprise charity shop drops across the country in the run up to Green Football’s Great Save, which runs until April 2.

Demi said: “When I was younger, my mum paid for my football kit in monthly instalments, and we made sure it lasted for years. That experience taught me two things - how valuable and important it is to have access to good kit and why it's important to keep reusing it. That’s why I’ve donated some Newcastle kit and trainers - I love the idea that instead of sitting unused, it can now help someone else stay in the game, while also reducing waste”.

The secret drops mark the start of Green Football’s Great Save, the world’s biggest climate-football campaign, which brings together the football community - fans, players, clubs, leagues, grassroots teams and schools - to take action to tackle climate change and protect the future of the game. This year is all about keeping sports kit in play for longer by donating, selling, reusing or upcycling - helping to reduce waste, save money, and support communities who may lack access to kit.

Salvation Army volunteer Norma, was in the shop when Stokes walked in. “She was so lovely and down to earth. She’d come straight from training and had a big bag of donations from the club. We’ve got her signed training top, as well as some other shirts, boots, jackets, shorts and trainers. Sports kit always sells quickly in our shop, especially anything with Newcastle on it. I’m excited to put it on the rails to see who buys it.’

Sarah Jacobs, Green Football Director, said: “Football has an unequalled power to drive change, and it’s incredible to see so many clubs, fans, grassroots teams and players like Demi Stokes, coming together to help save kit from landfill. Whether it’s donating a shirt or finding a new purpose for old kit, every action contributes to reducing waste, promoting sustainability in football and helping to protect the game we love. None of us are perfect, but by doing something - even if it feels small - together we can make a massive difference.

Wallsend is just one of the 260 Salvation Army Shops across the UK that have partnered with Green Football’s Great Save to accept donations of pre-loved sportswear. Anyone dropping off their unwanted items in Wallsend- and nationwide - can enter a prize draw to win a host of sports related prizes if they log their donation on the Green Football website.

By taking part in Green Football’s Great Save, fans can win prizes including match tickets and a year’s free Sky Sports. They can also score goals for their club in the Green Football Cup, where fans help their team climb up the leaderboard by taking green pledges and actions, such as travelling greener, eating more veg and saving energy.

For more information on all the activities and how to get involved, go to www.greenfootball.org